In a new video released by the BCCI, Sanju Samson talked about his mental journey and his tactical shift back to the opening slot after being named India’s primary wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup 2026. His return to the top of the order follows a period of significant experimentation within the Indian squad. Previously, the team had moved toward a pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. However, Gill’s struggle to find consistent form eventually led to his omission, creating the opportunity for Samson to reclaim his spot at the start of the innings.
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The statistical evidence for Samson’s promotion is compelling. In just 18 innings as a T20I opener, he has smashed three centuries, maintaining an impressive average of 32.88 and a blistering strike rate of 178.02. In the history of Indian T20I openers with at least 500 runs, his scoring rate is surpassed only by his current partner, Abhishek Sharma. These figures underscore his natural suitability for the powerplay, where his aggressive style can be maximized.
I didn't play a game in T20 World Cup 2024: Sanu Samson
Despite these achievements, the path back to the top was not easy. Samson admitted to spending months attempting to adapt to various middle-order roles due to team requirements, a period marked by professional insecurity and self-doubt that both he and Gill experienced. Now that the coaching staff has committed to him as an opener, Samson is focused on finding a consistent rhythm and solidifying his role as a cornerstone of India’s World Cup ambitions.
"10 years of lots and lots of failures, few successes here and there, it has always been about understanding what it takes to be a World Cup cricketer for the Indian team and I think how badly do I want it. I like to go out and fail or succeed in my own way," Samson said in a video uploaded by BCCI.
"Talking about the 2024 World Cup, I didn't play a game. Yes, things were a bit up and down, to be very honest. It was not matching the expectations which I set. But I was still very grateful that I made it into the fifteen. My journey is so special ki pata nahi kab khelne ko milega (you never know when you'll get the opportunity to play)," he added.